Graphic Novels/Comics/Manga

The Story of a Childhood and The Story of a ReturnThe intelligent and outspoken child of radical Marxists, and the great-grandaughter of Iran's last emperor, Satrapi bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country. Persepolis paints an unforgettable portrait of daily life in Iran and of the bewildering contradictions between home life and public life. This is a beautiful and intimate story full of tragedy and humour - raw, honest and incredibly illuminating.

The Customer is Always Wrong is a hilarious yet raw memoir of a young artist's experience working in a restaurant full of sleaze-balls. Mimi Pond's brash yet genuine storytelling creates a vivid snapshot of the low-rent warzone that was Oakland in the late '70s. Her talents as a cartoonist and storyteller are on full display in this epic and comedic novel that will keep readers laughing and cringing in equal measure. If you're a fan of memoirs that pull no punches, this is definitely one to pick up.

Persepolis 2 could be a good read for those interested in the history and culture of Iran, as well as the experiences of young people growing up in challenging and uncertain times. Marjane's journey is one of rebellion and growth, as she struggles to find her place in the world while also challenging the oppressive forces around her. Through her art and her relationships, she explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery that many readers will find relatable and inspiring. However, the book is also a sobering reminder of the human cost of fundamentalism and repression, and may be difficult for some readers to stomach. Overall, Persepolis 2 is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that offers valuable insights into a fascinating period in Iranian history.

Here, in one volume: Marjane Satrapi's best-selling, internationally acclaimed memoir-in-comic-strips.Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming—both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up.Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom—Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

Ariel Schrag concludes her turbulent ride through high school in the long-awaited final volume of her acclaimed series of compelling and strikingly honest autobiographical graphic novels.Set in Berkeley, California, Likewise takes us into the holy grail of teenagers, every bit as terrifying as it is senior year. Struggling with a major longing for her ex-girlfriend who has gone away to college, her parents' post-divorce relationship, anxiety over the future, and all the graphic details of her complicated life, Ariel sets out to document everything and everyone. And when she discovers James Joyce, a whole new world of creativity opens up to her.Written with unabashed honesty, insight, and humor, Likewise is a brave account of one teenage girl's search for truth.

"The Resident Tourist Part 6 is a unique and personal exploration of the author's life on an island over four years. The autobiographical nature of the comic book will provide readers with a deeply personal experience and the themes of change and the possibility of rebooting one's life will resonate with anyone facing difficult transitions. The graphic novel format makes for an immersive and engaging read."

Ariel Schrag captures the American high school experience in all its awkward, questioning glory in Awkward and Definition, the first of three amazingly honest autobiographical graphic novels about her teenage years.During the summer following each year at Berkeley High School in California, Ariel wrote a comic book about her experiences, which she would then photocopy and sell around school. Some friends thrilled to see themselves in the comic, others not so much, but everyone was interested.Awkward chronicles Ariel's freshman year, and Definition, her sophomore year. With anxiety in excess and frustration to the fullest, Ariel dives in -- meeting new people, going to concerts, crushing out, loving chemistry, drawing comics, and obsessing over everything from glitter-laden girls to ionic charges and the constant pursuit of the number-one score.Totally true and achingly honest, with every cringe-inducing encounter and exhilarating first moment documented -- Awkward and Definition is an unflinching look at what it's like being a teenage girl in America.